EWING, N.J. — The New Jersey City University men's and women's cross country squads opened up their 2022 seasons this evening, Friday, Sept. 2, in South Jersey at the Blue/Gold Invitational, hosted by New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) foe The College of New Jersey.

On the women's side, three teams competed in the the 3.5k event — the hosting Lions, another NJAC squad in Montclair State University and NJCU. Three runners competed for the Gothic Knights on the day, all in their first-ever collegiate 3.5k race, led by senior Tiffany Ortiz (Jersey City, N.J./University Academy Charter), who placed 23rd with a time of 17:17.0. Sophomore Nyla Boyd (Thomson, Ga./Thomson) was just behind her in 24th and crossed the finish line at 18:53.5. Closing it out for Jersey City was sophomore Ashley Adames (Jersey City, N.J./County Prep), who posted a time of 20:05.4 in her collegiate cross country debut.

On the men's side of things, just NJCU and TCNJ competed in what was the first collegiate 6k race for any Gothic Knights that competed on the day. Senior Jaime Tlatelpa (Jersey City, N.J./University Academy Charter) led the way for the Gothic Knights, placing 16th overall with a time of 21:36.4. Junior Jake Sisk (Piscataway, N.J./Piscataway) came in just behind him in 17th with a time of 22:17.3. Four other Green and Gold runners competed as well, as seniors Adnan Kpodo (Irvington, N.J./Irvington) and Denilson Lopez (Elizabeth, N.J./Elizabeth) placed 18th and 19th with times of 22:58.7 and 23:06.4, respectively. Freshman David Velez (Elizabeth, N.J./Alexander Hamilton Prep) came in 20th with a time of 24:10.9 in his collegiate debut, while sophomore Vladimir Pericles (Elizabeth, N.J./Thomas Edison Academy) placed 21st with a time of 25:49.2.

Up Next:
Jersey City retunrs to action next weekend on Saturday, Sept. 10, in Westchester County for the Purchase College Invitational in Purchase, N.Y.